Would you like to take care of your health while indulging in a wellness break? A spa cure is the ideal solution for combining therapeutic treatment and relaxation. Thanks to their mineral-rich waters, French spas attract thousands of spa-goers every year in search of relief, relaxation or simply a moment to themselves. But with so many different establishments and regions to choose from, one question often comes up: where to go for a spa treatment? To guide you, we've selected the 14 best destinations to discover, between sea, mountains and countryside.
1. Bagnères de Bigorre, renowned for centuries for its spa traditions
Nicknamed the "Athens of the Pyrenees", Bagnères-de-Bigorre attracts spa-goers from all over the world thanks to its timeless charm and emblematic establishments. Housed in a superb late 19th-century building - witness to the golden age of spa treatments -, Aquensis is a must-see. TheAquapass gives you access to the relaxation area, with its large pool, water curtains and massaging jets, the Moroccan-inspired hammam, two Finnish saunas on the outdoor terrace , vast whirlpool baths and a lounge-style tea room. The spa area also offers a variety of treatments, from donkey milk baths to thermal showers. For the more active, a fitness area dedicated to fitness, weight training and aquagym is open all year round.
Aquensis also offers original day packages, such as Aquaski, which combines spa and skiing at Grand Tourmalet, or Pic et Bulles, which combines discovery of the Pic du Midi with relaxation at the spa. Finally, Aquensis wellness breaks (from the one-night "Aqua Découverte" package to the three-night, five-treatment "N'eau stress" program), organized in partnership with the Résidence des Thermes, plunge you into a parenthesis of absolute relaxation.
What you need to know Wondering what to do in Bagnères de Bigorre? Go to the Saint-Blaise fountain. Its water is renowned for its exceptional taste and beneficial effects. The fountain has become a local celebrity. Is it magic? It's hard to say. But one thing's for sure: it's fresh, delicious... and always appreciated. So grab your water bottles!
2. Balaruc-Les-Bains, France's leading spa destination
As France's leading spa resort, Balaruc-les-Bains was a popular destination long before our time: Louis Bonaparte himself came here for a cure as long ago as the 19th century. Even today, thousands of spa-goers visit Balaruc-les-Bains every year to benefit from the virtues of its renowned thermal waters, which are renowned for their rheumatology, phlebology and breast cancer treatments. They offer a wide range of treatments based on thermal water naturally rich in trace elements: patented thermal mud applications, hydrotherapy sessions, massages and more. Free cures are also available to relieve heavy legs or back pain, or to take advantage of treatments based on natural medicine, such as dietetics, osteopathy or health sports. But Balaruc isn't just about spa treatments. It also offers a wide range of sporting, cultural and leisure activities that are a perfect complement to the spa experience.
Read more: What to do in the Hérault? 19 must-sees and must-visits
3. Where to go for a spa treatment? In Vittel
It's a must-visit spot in the Vosges: Vittel has always been known for the freshness of its springs. Great architects, including Charles Garnier - famous for the Paris Opera House - have contributed to making Vittel not only a town of water, but also of architecture and culture. Today, the Thermes de Vittel offer a wide range of services that attract curists from all over Europe every year. It's even possible to enjoy the facilities on a half-day basis. There are several themed areas to discover: Oriental or Nordic atmosphere, white-water pool, aquajets, herbal tea room... to be completed with one or more treatments at the beauty center. The already rich program has been enriched by new features such as cryotherapy and the "voyage to the Caribbean" treatment, for an even more immersive well-being experience.
4. Contrexéville, capital of slimming!
Nicknamed the slimming capital of France, Contrexéville quickly became a fashionable spa resort, frequented by such prestigious figures as the Shah of Persia and Queen Isabella of Spain. Its waters, naturally rich in calcium and magnesium, gush out at 10°C and are the source of the famous Contrex water. Specializing in slimming and well-being, the Thermes de Contrexéville offer à la carte stays, from a simple day of relaxation to several weeks of slimming treatments. The spa boasts a vast thermoludic pool equipped with whirlpool baths and beds, hydromassage jets, alcoves, aquabike, treadmill and elliptical bike. Access is available from 2 hours without reservation. The treatments on offer are varied and also include traditional spa cures, for complete care of body and mind.
Read more: Where to go for thalassotherapy? Top 15 destinations
5. Bagnoles De L'Orne, the only spa in the north-west of France
Located in a green setting in the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, Bagnoles de l'Orne is a haven of peace and well-being. Discovered in the Middle Ages, its thermal spring gave rise in the 19th century to B'O Thermes, the only spa in Normandy. In a Belle Époque atmosphere imbued with charm and conviviality, this unique destination combines the benefits of its mineral water, low in minerals but rich in trace elements, with the mildness of an oceanic climate. This combination makes it an ideal place to recharge your batteries, with recognized beneficial effects in rheumatology, phlebology and gynecology. The Bagnoles thermal baths offer both medical cures and fitness stays. The water, tapped from the large spring at around 25°C, is used in a variety of treatments: baths, showers, mud applications and thermal pool sessions, all supervised by protocols drawn up by health professionals.
Good to know: To prolong the benefits, a wellness and beauty area completes the offer, inviting you to relax and unwind in a serene, soothing setting.
6. Bagnères-De-Luchon, an emblematic spa since Antiquity
An emblematic spa since Antiquity, Bagnères-de-Luchon is still renowned throughout Europe for its treatments dedicated to ENT and rheumatology. Visitors to the resort can take advantage of approved cures to relieve respiratory tract symptoms or soothe joint pain. But the resort is also open to all those who simply want to recharge their batteries, with week-long stays available at very affordable rates, with no health insurance cover. Here, you can take care of yourself in an enchanting setting: relieving back pain, soothing tinnitus or improving respiratory comfort is not just for seniors. Your stay will also be an opportunity to stroll along the elegant Allées d'Étigny or in the Parc des Quinconces, visit the Chambert thermal baths or discover the vaporarium, a natural hammam unique in Europe.
To help you plan your stay, take a look at our article What to do and see in Haute-Garonne? The 13 must-sees.
7. Where to go for a spa treatment? In Vichy
In Vichy, two spa establishments stand out for their specialties. The Thermes Callou, inaugurated in 1990, are dedicated to curists undergoing 18-day cures covered by Social Security. The spa specializes in rheumatology, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders and overweight. There are 143 treatment cabins, supervised by a team of state-qualified hydrotherapists and physiotherapists, as well as a solarium terrace, a mobilization pool, a spa bar and a gym. A pedestrian walkway links the thermal baths to the Ibis hotel for added convenience.
Thermes des Dômes, meanwhile, specializes in metabolic disorders and chronic illnesses. They offer a variety of programs to prevent obesity, diabetes and rheumatism. In addition to traditional cures, mini-cures and week-long stays focusing on health and well-being are available, addressing themes such as fitness, weight management, diabetes and joint pain. A la carte treatments, aquagym sessions, massages and hydromassage baths complete the offer.
Read more: 11 UNESCO-listed spa towns in Europe to warm up in autumn
8. Water activities and relaxation treatments in Dax
Thermal spas are a must in the Landes region, and Dax in particular is renowned. Thermes Borda, for example, enjoys an excellent reputation. The bright, modern establishment creates the ideal atmosphere for relaxation. You'll find a wide range of services, from aquatic activities to relaxation treatments. It's the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a wellness break! An energetic massage or a few pilatherapy sessions would be ideal to recharge your batteries. On site, you can choose between long cures or mini-cures, but don't forget to book in advance. And if you prefer a simple half-day of relaxation, that's also possible.
Good to know: La Fontaine Chaude is the symbol of the spa and one of the must-see attractions in Dax during your stay. According to legend, the benefits of its waters date back to Roman times, thanks to the story of a legionnaire. Garrisoned in Dax, he sought to relieve his dog's rheumatic pains by throwing it into the Adour. On his return from Spain, he found his dog cured, thanks to the thermal mud he'd rolled in. And so began the history of thermal baths in Dax.
9. Where to go for a spa treatment? Ax-Les-Thermes, a world-renowned spa resort
Ax-les-Thermes is a world-renowned spa, fed by a spring located 4,000 meters below ground, whose waters can reach temperatures of 120°C. These waters, considered to be the hottest in the Pyrenees, feed some sixty springs, divided into three distinct groups. The Bains du Couloubret, the town's first thermal baths, are located in the old thermal baths, whose neo-classical façade has been carefully preserved. The baths offer an enchanting backdrop, with their Pompeian-red colonnades and multi-colored , exquisite earthenware . Enjoy the benefits of water in the hot thermal pools, equipped with massage jets, swan necks, sauna and hammam. Outside, two pools offer a variety of water features, including counter-currents, geysers and massaging jets, for a complete relaxation experience.
Read more what to do and see in Ax-les-Thermes The 8 must-sees
10. Aix-Les-Bains, one of France's favorite thalasso destinations
Aix-les-Bains is one of France's favorite thalasso destinations, and the Thermes Chevalley is the place to be! Specializing in rheumatological, respiratory and other pathologies, these thermal baths also offer spa treatments for locals and holidaymakers in search of relaxation. From wellness rituals to body and facial treatments, it's possible to enjoy a few hours of relaxation in this aquatic relaxation area. Between two sessions of water- or mud-based treatments, don't miss a visit to the Temple of Diana. It's one of only three temples in France to have been entirely preserved. Centuries later, this Roman heritage has made Aix-les-Bains a popular destination for romantics and a guarantee of quality for spa enthusiasts.
Read more: What to do and see in Aix-les-Bains The 13 must-sees
11. Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, the only spa north of Paris
The curative virtues of Saint-Amand's waters were already recognized in Roman times! In the 18th century, they were even considered miraculous. Even today, their benefits for rheumatic and respiratory ailments have never been called into question. The only spa north of Paris, the Saint-Amand thermal baths have welcomed prestigious visitors, including Napoleon III. Today, it offers cures, beauty treatments and spa services.
12. Where to go for a spa treatment? In Gréoux-les-Bains
Welcome to Gréoux-les-Bains, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The benefits of its thermal waters have been appreciated for thousands of years, with the Romans having already built the first thermal baths on this site. Today, the modern spa continues to attract many curists, offering therapeutic and fitness treatments in a recently renovated wellness area. The troglodyte-style establishment, inspired by antiquity, boasts vast treatment areas, with galleries opening onto the thermal park, ideal for relaxing. The spa has been part of the Chaîne Thermale du Soleil since 1962. The establishment offers four types of cures and a specific cure for post-cancer breast rehabilitation.
The Thermal Spa offers a truly relaxing interlude, with thermal treatments, massages, body treatments and muscle-strengthening sessions. To complement the benefits of your spa treatment and improve your health, over 20 health workshops are offered, including Pilates, the bon dos workshop, Thermabike and Qi Gong. There's something for every taste and need!
Read more: 5 must-see thalasso destinations in south-west France
13. Cambo-les-Bains, the only spa in the Basque Country
Situated between land and sea, this spa is the only one of its kind in the Basque Country. Since ancient times, the richness of its springs and their therapeutic properties have provided effective treatment for joint pain and respiratory disorders alike . In addition to treatments, the facility offers educational workshops to help you better understand your illness and learn how to live with it. Specific programs are available for conditions such as post-cancer or tinnitus. The resort also has a 151-unit residence for curists.
Read more: What to see and do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Top 21 most beautiful places
14. Where to go for a spa treatment? Enjoy Europe's richest magnesium water at Châtel-Guyon
Located in Châtel-Guyon, Aïga Resort Thermal & Spa isthe perfect spa to rebalance your microbiota, treat rheumatism or simply enjoy a wellness break. With its spa, organic and natural treatments, mud baths and massages, everything is designed to soothe body and mind. Enjoy the benefits of Europe's richest magnesium water. A hotel residence and a restaurant complete the offer, making every moment a true relaxing interlude.
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